At least 32 individuals have lost their lives, and 700 others have sustained injuries following two significant seismic events that struck Venezuela in rapid succession.

The initial earthquake, registering 7.1 on the Richter scale, occurred late on Wednesday, June 24, near the capital city of Caracas. Merely 39 seconds later, a more powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook the South American nation.

Videos shared on social media depicted vehicles trembling, streets enveloped in smoke, and structural damage within some buildings.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed the death toll of 32 and the injuries of 700 caused by the earthquakes, as per local media reports.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) previously stated that a significant number of casualties and extensive destruction are likely, with the disaster expected to be widespread.

Reports indicate that individuals are trapped beneath the debris of buildings impacted by the tremors. Heartbroken locals assisted rescue teams in combing through the rubble in search of survivors.

Describing the situation, 56-year-old teacher Olky Barrero, who participated in the search efforts, expressed, “It was dreadful. We pray to God for minimal casualties.”

Residents hurriedly evacuated buildings as the ground shook, recalling the terrifying moments when structures swayed.

Roberto Damas recounted, “The building shook violently sideways. It was unbelievable. The force was incredibly powerful. We were thrown around as we walked. Everything in the apartment collapsed. Thankfully, we managed to escape.”

Coastal residents in Venezuela also faced concerns of a potential tsunami following the earthquakes.

The US Tsunami Warning Centers later reassured that the tsunami risk had subsided, and there was no ongoing threat.